Apparatus for an abdominal exerciser device

ABSTRACT

An apparatus for an abdominal exerciser device in the general shape of an adult human cervical spine which acts to fix the position of the neck and cervical spine during a stomach crunch exercise movement is presented. The abdominal exerciser device comprises three major components: the device spine, the cushion assemblies, and the hand straps. The device spine is a bar or tube curved to follow the adult human cervical and upper thoracic spine and provides attachment points for the cushion assemblies and straps. The cushion assemblies are contact points for the exerciser&#39;s head and upper back, while the straps allow the exerciser to keep contact with the exerciser device during the exercise movement with minimal force.

PRIOR PROVISIONAL APPLICATION

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application, Ser. No. 61/316,884 filed Mar. 24, 2010, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus for an abdominal exerciser device, and more particularly, to an apparatus for an abdominal exerciser device in the general shape of an adult human cervical spine which acts to fix the position of the cervical spine and neck during the exercise movement and thereby isolates the abdominals and reduces neck strain.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

While many various types of abdominal training devices have entered the abdominal muscles exercise market in the last ten years, there are just as many problems associated with them. Some are bulky and thus not very portable or easy to store. Others may potentially injure users through neck or back strain, or do not provide the user with feedback when they are not performing an exercise movement with technical precision (i.e., performing the exercise incorrectly, which can both reduce the effectiveness of the exercise and potentially injury the exerciser).

For instance, one example of a popular abdominal training device is the “Ab Roller”. While it is designed with padding to cradle the neck, the fixed arc of motion due to its shape limits the exerciser to a range of motion which may possibly be unnatural for any particular user. It is also not very portable or easily stored. And, it does not reduce neck strain as the device is not based on the natural curvature of the human cervical spine.

Another successfully marketed device is the “Ab Circle” family of abdominal training devices. On these devices the exerciser must kneel, and therefore is off of the ground. Additionally these devices are bulky and not easily stored.

Smaller devices, such as the “Ab Wheel” and “Ab Slide”, while smaller and thus easier to store, do not allow for a supported nature of the exercise movements, especially so for less athletically competent users.

Additionally, many abdominal exercisers were having issues with doing even a basic crunch, not because of abdominal muscle failure, but rather because of neck pain or injury, to such a degree that such exerciser stopped training with the abdominal crunch exercise movement. A review of the abdominal exercise device market reveals that none of the exercise devices work for someone who is just beginning to work out and can train abdominal muscles without potentially causing injury to the neck, and at the same time make it very challenging for an elite athlete.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the present invention is directed to providing an apparatus for an abdominal exerciser device designed to maintain stabilization of the cervical vertebrae while performing specific abdominal exercises without significant engagement of supporting musculature in the cervical region, isolate the abdominal muscles during exercise, provide instant feedback to the exerciser when the device is not properly used, be simple to use, be portable, and be easy to store.

The device is constructed with three major components: the device spine, the cushion assemblies, and the hand straps. The device's spine mimics the general curve of the adult human cervical and upper thoracic spine and provides attachment points for the cushion assemblies in the proper spacial relationship to accomplish the purpose of proper positioning of the exerciser's cervical and thoracic spine (i.e., neck and upper torso) during exercise. The cushion assemblies act as interface, or contact points, between the exerciser's body and the abdominal exerciser device. Contact between the exerciser's body and the cushion assemblies during exercise is maintained by means of force applied by the exerciser through the use of the straps attached at points to the device spine.

There is described herein an abdominal exerciser device for use by an exerciser to exercise the abdominal muscles in a crunch exercise movement, the device comprising: a device spine, having a convex curve and a concave curve; a head cushion assembly, attached on a dorsal side at one end of the device spine; a back cushion assembly, attached on a dorsal side at another end of the device spine; and at least one strap, attached on a ventral side at both ends of the device spine, wherein the head cushion assembly is a contact point for the exerciser's head, the back cushion assembly is a contact point for the exerciser's upper back, and the at least one strap enables the exerciser to maintain contact with the head cushion assembly and the back cushion assembly during the crunch exercise movement.

Additionally described herein is an abdominal exerciser device to fix a proper position of an exerciser's neck during a crunch exercise movement, the device comprising: a solid bar modeled on the general curvature of a cervical and intercepting thoracic regions of a human spine; a head cushion, for placement of the exerciser's head, attached at or near to a first end of the solid bar; a back cushion, for placement of the exerciser's upper back, attached at or near to a second end of the solid bar; and a first and second Y-shaped strap, each Y-shaped strap attached on the top of the Y-shape at each end of the solid bar, wherein the exerciser grasps one Y-shaped strap at the bottom of the Y-shape in each hand and applies a minimal amount of force to maintain contact with the head cushion and back cushion during the crunch exercise movement.

The present invention, including its features and advantages, will become more apparent from the following detailed description with reference to the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of the abdominal exerciser device showing the device spine, the head and back cushion assemblies and one of the straps, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a top view of the abdominal exerciser device showing the relative positions of the device spine, head and back cushion assemblies and the left and right straps, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3( a) and (b) show a side and top view, respectively, of the device spine, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 4( a), (b), (c) and (d) show a perspective, top, right side and front views, respectively, of the upper back cushion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 5( a), (b) and (c) show a top, left side and front side view, respectively, of the upper back cushion backer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows a bottom view of the upper back cushion assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7( a), (b), (c) and (d) show a perspective, bottom, front side and left side views, respectively, of the head/neck cushion, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 8( a), (b), (c) and (d) show a top, perspective, front side and left side views, respectively, of the head/neck cushion backer, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows a bottom view of the head/neck cushion assembly, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows a left or right strap, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 11, 12 and 13 are illustrations of the abdominal exerciser device in use, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an illustration of a slippage event due to incorrect use of the abdominal exerciser device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIGS. 1 through 14 illustrate and show an apparatus for an abdominal exerciser device.

Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, the abdominal exerciser device 100 is shown from a side and top view, respectively. The exerciser device 100 is comprised of three major components: the spine device 1, the cushion assemblies 2 and 3, and the left and right hand straps 4 and 5. As shown in the figures, the cushion assemblies are attached at opposite ends of the spine. Likewise, portions of the straps 4, 5 are also attached at opposite ends.

Referring now to FIG. 3, the device spine 1 is comprises a curve modeled from the general curvature and/or shape of an adult human's cervical vertebra from the areas of attachment at the head to that of the area of the upper thoracic spine, while the adult is supine and at rest. It is intended that during use of the abdominal exerciser device 100, the support structure of the device spine 1 does not come into direct contact with the exerciser's body at rest or during exercise.

The device spine 1 is preferably shaped such that it has two opposing curves mimicking the cervical curve and the intercepting region of the thoracic spine of an adult human. The major curve 10 is convex and mimics the arch of the human cervical spine. The minor curve 11 is concave and intercepts the major curve to mimic the intersection of the cervical spinal curve in the thoracic spine region.

The device spine 1 is a bar or tube that resists deformation while the exerciser is performing exercise with the exerciser device 100, and while the exerciser is at rest with the weight of the head on one cushion assembly and the body in contact with the other cushion assembly at the upper thoracic region on a flat surface. Preferably, device spine 1 is 8¼″ in length and 1″ wide. The spine device 1 also has a number of holes 7 bored there through for attachment of the cushion assemblies and left and right hand straps. Preferably, the holes 7 are an ⅛^(th) of an inch in diameter, and centered along the lengthwise plane of the device spine 1, such that they are ½ an inch from each lengthwise side.

The device spine 1 may have a material ends 6 attached at each end to act as contact points with the surface the exerciser is laying on (i.e., floor), providing a cushioning effect between the device and the floor when the exerciser returns to the start point of the exercise and to prevent damage to the floor surface. Preferably the material ends 6 are an ⅛^(th) of an inch in thickness and ⅝^(th) of an inch in length. Material ends 6 may be attached to the ends by adhesive or through the use of a fastener. Preferably the material ends are comprised of a hard rubber material.

Referring now to FIGS. 4 and 7, the upper back cushion 2 and the head/neck cushion 3 are shown, respectively. Each cushion is comprised of a foam type cushion material to provide a comfortable and conforming contact point for the exerciser's body. Such foam type material allows for some deformation in order to provide the comfortable and generally conforming interface. Each cushion is covered with a durable, water resistant fabric covering.

The head/neck cushion 3 may be pre-formed with a generally convex radius to allow for a better fit to the exerciser's head. A preferred embodiment of the head/neck cushion 3 has a curved recess 12 with borders 13, into which an head/neck of the exerciser is placed. Preferably the head cushion 3 is 4 inches in width and 6½ inches in length and 2 inches in height to that of the boarder 13. The curved recess 12 is preferably 5½ inches in length across a diameter, leaving a preferred width of ½ an inch for each boarder 13.

The back cushion 2 is generally flat as such is in contact with the thoracic region of the upper back. A preferred embodiment of upper back cushion 2 is such that it has a portion that declines from a flat plain. The flat plain portion 8 of the upper back cushion 2 rests at the upper back, whereas the incline portion 9 of the upper back cushion 2 fits on the middle back of the exerciser. Preferably the back cushion 2 is 3½ inches in width, 4 inches in length, and 1½ inches in height to the flat plain portion 8, and ½ inch in height to the narrowest portion of incline portion 9.

Referring now to FIGS. 5, 6, 8 and 9, a back cushion backer 14 and head cushion backer 15, respectively, are shown. Each backer 14, 15 are placed on or affixed to the back side of the respective cushion 2, 3. The backing 14, 15 are comprised of a rigid, semi-rigid or non-deforming lightweight material with a purpose of maintaining and supporting the basic shape of each cushion while simultaneously allowing the previously stated conforming action of the cushion to the exerciser at each contact point. Preferably the back cushion backer 14 is 2 inches wide and 3 inches in length, and a ¼ inch in height. Preferably the head cushion backer 15 is 5 inches in length, 3 inches in width and a ¼ inch in height.

In addition to assisting with shape retention, backers 14, 15 act as the attachment points to the device spine 1. As such, each of cushion backer 14 and cushion backer 15 have holes 16 cut there through. The holes 16 allow a fastener to pass through the backer into the appropriate cushion and allow for attachment to the spinal device 1. Preferably the holes 16 through backers 14, 15 are ⅛ of an inch in diameter. Holes 16 in back cushion backer 14 are centered along the length wide access being approximately 1 inch from each end and 1 inch from each side. Holes 16 on the head cushion backer 15 are positioned at the vertices of a triangular shape, which central point of such triangular shape is in the middle of the backer 15. There is ⅜^(th) of an inch between each hole 16, the central most hole being 2½ inches from the lengthwise edge of the backer.

The cushions 2, 3 are affixed to the device spine 1 on the dorsal side of the device spine. It is to be understood, of course, that an alternative embodiment of the exerciser device 100 allows for adjustment of the positioning of the cushions along the support structure of the device spine 1 to allow for a better fit to the body of the exerciser. Such adjustments would allow some amount of travel of the cushions: that is, sliding up and down the length of the support structure of the device spine prior to use and then fixable prior to exercise. Such alternative embodiment allows for a customized fit to the exerciser, and may also allow for the cushion assemblies to be detachable.

Referring now to FIG. 10, a strap 4, 5 (i.e., either the left or right strap) is shown. The strap 4, 5 consist of three pieces of material length 17, 18 and 19. Preferably the material length 17 and 18 are each 9 inches in length, while material length 19 is 7 inches in length. Each of those material lengths 17, 18 and 19 are preferably ½ inch in width. The straps are connected at juncture 20. Preferably the connection of material lengths 17, 18 and 19 at juncture 20 forms a generally “Y” shape with approximately a 45 degree angle between lengths 17 and 18. The material lengths 17, 18 and 19 are joined together at juncture 20 by stitching or sewing. Lengths 17 and 18 have holes 21 there through. Preferably the holes 21 in lengths 17 and 18 are a 1/16^(th) of an inch in diameter and ½ inch from the ends. The purpose of the straps is to provide the exerciser a means to ensure uniform contact with the exerciser device 100 during exercise. They are comprised of durable material, non-elastic and permit durable attachment to the device spine 1. Straps are affixed to the ventral side of the device spine under each cushion assembly.

Each strap 4, 5 have a loop at end 22 to provide a handhold for the exerciser's hand. The loops 23 may be covered with a cushion material for comfort. It is to be understood, of course, that various embodiments of the straps 4, 5 may allow adjustable strap lengths to enable customization to a exerciser's preference. Straps may feature a means to wrap around the device and affix to each other during storage. This may be accomplished through pieces of hook and loop fastener or another type of fastener that is easy to attach and detach.

Referring now to FIGS. 11, 12 and 13, the use of the Abdominal Exercising Device 100 is shown. An exerciser places the device on a flat (but not necessarily level) exercise surface with the cushion assemblies 2, 3 facing towards the ceiling and the hand holds of each strap 4, 5 laid out to each side of the device 100. The exerciser then lays supine on the exercise surface placing his/her head on the head cushion assembly 3, with the back cushion assembly 2 contacting the exerciser's upper back centered on a horizontal plane roughly equal to the level of the shoulders (i.e., the vicinity of the T3 vertebrae of the thoracic spinal region). The long axis of the device spine 1 should follow the long axis of the exerciser's spine with the peak of the cervical spine arch and the peak of the device spine's large curve 10 generally in vertical alignment. The exerciser's feet will be flat on the floor. At no time should a typical human's spine contact the device spine 1.

When comfortable, the exerciser will grasp with each hand a handhold 22 of each strap 4, 5. The exerciser will then bring his/her hands up until the exercisers arms are bent, with the hands somewhere near the neck or upper pectoral region depending on the exerciser, and the straps 4, 5 are taut. This is the start (or rest) position. The force applied by the exerciser is intended to be comfortable to the exerciser and to ensure the device accomplishes its purpose of maintaining proper support and positioning of the cervical vertebrae during exercise movement.

To begin the exercise movement (i.e., a stomach crunch), and with eyes facing up, not forward, and the head fully in contact with the head cushion 3, the exerciser will apply the least amount of force necessary through the straps 4, 5 to maintain contact with the exerciser device 100 as the exerciser contracts the abdominal muscles to perform the first half of an exercise repetition. The exerciser will continue to apply the least necessary force, through the straps 4, 5, on the second half of the exercise repetition as the abdominal muscles are released in a controlled fashion bringing the exerciser back to the start position.

Straps 4, 5 are held comfortably by the exerciser and pulled with enough force to maintain application of pressure fairly evenly through the exercise device's two contact points, thereby maintaining the required degree of contact throughout the exercise movement to prevent “slippage” between the exerciser and the device 100.

Referring now to FIG. 14, if during the exercise the exerciser changes the natural resting curve of the cervical spine through head movement (e.g., lifting the head), the exerciser should feel the device slip or move from the original points of contact with the body at the rest position. This is the instant feedback feature of the device. The exerciser should return to the start position, reposition to achieve the proper contact with the device and begin the exercise movement again.

Additional abdominal exercises may be performed by raising the exerciser's feet to a variety of heights, varying leg extension, and as well as twisting the body (torso) to lay the exerciser's legs to one side or the other to exercise oblique abdominal muscles.

In the foregoing description, the method and apparatus of the present invention have been described with reference to specific examples. It is to be understood and expected that variations in the principals of the method and apparatus herein disclosed may be made by one skilled in the art and it is intended that such modifications, changes, and substitutions are to be included within the scope of the present invention as set forth in the appended claims. The specification and drawings are accordingly to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. 

What is claimed is:
 1. An abdominal exerciser device for use by an exerciser to exercise the abdominal muscles in a crunch exercise movement, the device comprising: a device spine, having a convex curve and a concave curve; a head cushion assembly, attached on a dorsal side at one end of the device spine; a back cushion assembly, attached on a dorsal side at another end of the device spine; and at least one strap, attached on a ventral side at both ends of the device spine, wherein the head cushion assembly is a contact point for the exerciser's head, the back cushion assembly is a contact point for the exerciser's upper back, and the at least one strap enables the exerciser to maintain contact with the head cushion assembly and the back cushion assembly during the crunch exercise movement.
 2. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein the convex curve mimics a natural arch of the exerciser's cervical spine at rest in a supine position.
 3. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein the concave curve intercepts the convex curve to mimic the intersection of the exerciser's cervical spinal curve in a thoracic spine region.
 4. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein the device spine further comprises: a material end, attached at one or another end of the device spine.
 5. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein the head cushion assembly further comprises: a cushion, with a curved recess; and a backer, attached to the cushion.
 6. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein the back cushion assembly further comprises: a cushion, with an incline; and a backer, attached to the cushion.
 7. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein attachments of the head cushion assembly, the back cushion assembly and the at least one strap is via at least one fastener.
 8. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein the at least one strap further comprises: a first and second equal material length, each one attached at a respective end of the device spine; a third length, joined at one end in a juncture to the first and second equal material length and having a loop at another end.
 9. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 1, wherein during the crunch exercise movement when the exerciser changes a natural resting curve of the cervical spine through movement of the exerciser's head, the device moves from the original points of contact with the exerciser's body.
 10. An abdominal exerciser device to fix a proper position of an exerciser's neck during a crunch exercise movement, the device comprising: a solid bar modeled on a general curvature of a cervical and intercepting thoracic regions of a human spine; a head cushion, for placement of an exerciser's head, attached at or near to a first end of the solid bar; a back cushion, for placement of the exerciser's upper back, attached at or near to a second end of the solid bar; and a first and second Y-shaped strap, each Y-shaped strap attached on the top of the Y-shape at each end of the solid bar, wherein the exerciser grasps one Y-shaped strap at the bottom of the Y-shape in each hand and applies a minimal amount of force to maintain contact with the head cushion and back cushion during the crunch exercise movement.
 11. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 10, wherein the general curvature of the solid bar further comprises: two opposing curves, thereby a first curve being convex and a second curve being concave.
 12. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 11, wherein the convex curve mimics a natural arch of the exerciser's cervical spine.
 13. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 11, wherein the concave curve mimics the intersection of the exerciser's cervical spinal curve in a thoracic spine region.
 14. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 10, wherein the solid bar further comprises: a material end, attached at one or another end of the solid bar.
 15. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 10, wherein the head cushion further comprises: a curved recess; and a backer, attached to the cushion.
 16. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 10, wherein the back cushion further comprises: an incline; and a backer, attached to the cushion.
 17. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 10, wherein attachments of the head cushion, the back cushion, and the first and second Y-shaped straps are via at least one fastener.
 18. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 10, wherein the first and second Y-shaped straps each further comprise: a first and second equal material length; a third length, joined at one end in a juncture to the first and second equal material length and having a loop at another end.
 19. The abdominal exerciser device of claim 10, wherein during the crunch exercise movement when the exerciser changes a natural resting curve of the cervical spine through movement of the exerciser's head, the device moves from the original points of contact with the exerciser's body. 